Saying goodbye to a soldier as they are deployed to distant lands is an exceptionally difficult period for their family. With no assurance of the future, days and nights can be filled with overwhelming worry about their beloved risking their life for our freedom. Tragically, not all soldiers make it back home; Todd Weaver was one such example.
In 2010, Todd Weavers was taken from his family too soon at only 26 years old while serving in Afghanistan. Emma and their daughter Kiley were left to grieve the loss of her beloved partner, with a broken heart that would never be mended.
Emma’s world was thrown into chaos when she received news that her beloved husband had been killed. All his possessions were sent back to her, including a laptop which she opened with no expectations for what would be found inside.
As she skimmed through the mail, her eyes widened in surprise when two letters addressed to Todd’s two most beloved women appeared. One letter was titled “Dear Emma,” while the other read “Dear Kylie.”
Todd likely kept the letters on his laptop, ensuring that if anything happened to him, his wife and child could still read them. Not long after, a video featuring Emma reading these same letters out loud gained traction across social media, quickly becoming viral.
In the letter he penned for Emma, he expressed, “Well if you are reading this, I guess I did not make it home, and therefore, I was not able to remind you again of how much I love you.” He then went on to express his deep love for her. He wrote, “Although I may not be here right now, take comfort in the fact that I am watching over you right now.”
He continued, “Never forget that God knew what was best for us before we were even born. Take comfort in that. This happened for a reason. Although you may not believe it now, you will one day. ” Todd wanted to make sure she knew just how much he valued her. “I could not ask for a more caring, beautiful, and loving wife. The memories that we have shared over the last few years have been the best of my life. Although it may seem like my life was cut short, I lived a life that most can only dream of. I married the perfect woman. I have a beautiful daughter that amazed me every day. ”
Concluding his letter, Todd wrote “Much better times are coming. You and Kiley have a wonderful life ahead of you and I am so happy to have shared some of it with you.”
Todd penned a heartfelt letter for his precious 9-month-old daughter, Kiley. He wrote: “Although you may not remember me, I want you to know how very much your Daddy loves you. ” He recounted how it was the most difficult decision of his life to leave when she was only 9 months old, knowing he’d be deployed in Afghanistan. “You are so very special to me sweetie – you are truly a gift from God. The best day of my life was the day you were born. Every time I saw you smile my heart would just melt. ”
Unfortunately, he expressed his regret that he will not be able to witness her growth. He said, “You have such a bright and beautiful future ahead of you. Have fun. Enjoy it. And remember, your Daddy will always be proud of you and will always love you. You are and will always be my sweetie.”
Without a doubt, this courageous soldier was both an adoring husband and father. May he rest in peace, and may his beloved family find solace too.
